Google Messenger today received a design overhaul with the latest update. Updated from version number 1.9.518, this Google Messenger update brings in a new icon coupled with multiple UI changes.

In order to adapt to the circular icon layout in the Pixel Launcher (which is the stock launcher in Google Pixel & Pixel XL), Google has redesigned the Messenger icon as shown above.

Talking about icon changes, the message notification icon has been updated as well.

The all new setup screen and message share screen use the primary colour from the updated icon. The 'New Message' screen now has a ‘Top contacts’ section. This section shows the eight most messaged contacts. Underneath the 'Top contacts' section, all the contacts are listed alphabetically. The 'Top contact' section replaces the ‘Frequent’ and ‘All contacts' in Google Messenger 1.9.x.

From now on instead of seeing the rounded icon with the initials of the name of the person you are sending the message to, you will now see an arrow with "SMS" written beneath it. The same icon will be displayed when you are composing a new message as well.

The main conversation list has been made more compact and the app theming takes cues from the main color of the updated messenger icon. The same is reflected in the dark blue color of the '+' sign and the application header. The padding width has also been decreased which allows more contents from the message to be shown in the snippets in the conversation list. There also appear to be some size changes in the rounded avatar icons in the chat snippets.

Minimised padding with a compact layout has further enriched the experience of using the actual messaging screen. Similar to the main conversation list, there are changes in the size of the rounded profile icons.

This Messenger update also seems to bring along support for RCS Jibe. RCS will bring IM like features to Messenger like typing/read notifications, larger files, high quality pictures/videos/gifs, etc. All this however will be possible only if your network carrier supports RCS as well.

You can either wait for the update to rollout via the Play Store or grab the APK from here.

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.